But there have been significant improvements in safety(Image: BristolLive)

Systemic challenges are undermining progress at HMP Bristol despite significant improvements in safety over the last year. The annual report from the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) at HMP Bristol highlights sustained improvements following a highly critical inspection in 2023.

While self-harm and violence have decreased, the board remains concerned about overcrowding, Victorian conditions and high rates of homelessness upon release.

Eric Gatling, chair, IMB Bristol, said: “HMP Bristol has had a turbulent history in recent years. The improvements for prisoners made by the governor and staff at HMP Bristol have been welcomed by the IMB. However, issues still exist, especially given the continuing high demand for prison places, poor conditions for prisoners, and the limited support for prisoners on release.

“There appears to be no immediate solution to these issues, and in the meantime, it is negatively affecting both prisoners and staff at HMP Bristol.”

The report records a significant reduction in self-harm, with 455 incidents compared to 906 in the previous year. Violent incidents also fell from 340 to 232, a trend attributed partly to the leadership team focusing on purposeful activities.

Physical conditions remain a major hurdle. The prison is largely Victorian, with many cells designed for one person now occupied by two.

B Wing houses 99 prisoners without in-cell sanitation, meaning inmates must ring a bell for toilet access. Some told monitors they resorted to using bottles and pouring urine out the window.

Systemic pressures are evident in the population make-up, with 52% of prisoners on remand as of July 2025. Preparing these individuals for release is difficult, according to the report, and approximately 20% of prisoners leave HMP Bristol without accommodation for their first night.

Improvements were, however, noted in daily life, particularly catering. The prison is now producing 73% of its food on-site, with plans to increase this to 100% by the end of the year.

In 2023, following an inspection, the prison was deemed to be one of the most unsafe in the country and central government intervened to facilitate extensive staff training, urgent refurbishments to living areas, and increased budgets to improve access to education and skills for prisoners.